I have been in a rut, and I have not been able to fix it. My normal go-to behavior is not working. I fill my mind with positive thoughts. I capture negativity and work to redirect it. Still nothing. I get into the zone, and within 24 hours find myself on the outside of the circle looking in…trying to find my way back.

***

I am at capacity and harnessing no holiday cheer so I resort to my lowest level of training. Since I cannot find happiness, I will create happiness. Since I cannot find joy, I will create joy. Since I cannot find Christmas cheer, I will create Christmas cheer. I am determined to declutter my holidays for myself and for all those I love.

I am here to create what I cannot find, to pull together the wisdom of those who have been where I am…needed what I need, and fill the holes with my own experience. I am here to inspire others to do the same.

For anyone who needs an extra dose of Christmas cheer, begin to fill your holidays with experiences. Take your money and invest in moments.

Here are 20 Christmas cheer moments that you can make at little to no-cost to you, and a bonus 5 moments for those who live in the New Orleans area.*

1. Christmas movie night (FREE)

Check the Christmas movie schedule. Pull out the popcorn and the leftover Halloween candy. Maybe even make a fort. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

2. Make a gratitude jar. (Less than $5)

Remember why you are grateful. Remember the people, things, and experiences you are grateful for. Remember all that life has given you.

If you need a little help getting started with a gratitude jar, here are some resources:

Nothing restores Christmas cheer quite as much as the feeling you get when you give someone something no one else can give them but you. Take note, though, DIY does not always come out cheaper, and it certainly takes time. Christmas cheer comes at a cost, and the cost is not always monetary. You will invest yourself, but the return is priceless.

The best word introduced into my minimalist vocabulary over the past few years is DECLUTTER. You have closets full of stuff that others can use, toys kids can play with, clothes families can wear. What better time to find a home for all your extra?

12. Listen to Christmas music (FREE)

The day after Thanksgiving, the radio plays all Christmas all the time. Start listening. You can listen in small doses or large chunks. There is just something about a mood that shifts when music is in the air.

I mean, think about it, the man’s heart grows three sizes. ALL OF THEM embrace the spirit of Christmas. This includes the original, the Jim Carrey version, and the newest version currently at theaters. If you want to read the book with the kids, then read the book. I know I already spoke about watching Christmas movies, but Mr. Grinch deserves a space all his own.

14. Setup a Nativity Scene

This one will be new for me this year. I may have to settle on finding a nativity scene in a front yard or at a church.

15. Make Christmas cards

Much like DIY gifts, homemade Christmas cards add that little something extra. Last year, my son made them and dropped them off with his Boy Scout troop at the nursing home – 5 star experience!

16. Read the Nativity Story (FREE)

If Mr. Grinch gets his own spotlight outside of “watch a Christmas movie,” then the nativity story certainly gets its own spotlight outside of “read a Christmas book.” I mean the story is THE reason for the season.

For most, a tree is not enough. Put up a wreath. Use candy canes, ornaments, pine cones, stockings, and stars. Decorating an area can transform the entire feel of a room, which in turn can transform the way YOU feel.

19. Do something for someone who can never repay you. (FREE)

There are people to whom I am forever indebted because of who they were to me when I needed them most. Be that person to someone.

20. Make a gingerbread house (under $10)

After doing this for the first time last year, this task is much easier said than done. Be prepared!

Celebration in the Oaks is located in New Orleans City Park. Trees are covered in hundreds of thousands of lights across 25 acres, including Storyland, the Botanical Garden, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Train rides, amusement park rides, and photos with Santa are also available at an extra cost.
Dates: November 23 – January 1
Time: Sunday – Thursday 6PM-10PM; Fridays and Saturdays 5PM-11PM
Location: 5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans 70124

24. Miracle on Fulton Street (FREE)

Miracle on Fulton Street takes place November 30-December 22 and includes highlights such as daily “snow” on the hour, a gingerbread display at Harrah’s Hotel Lobby, and Santa sightings on Fridays and Saturdays along with live music.
Dates: November 30-December 22
Times: The “snow is available on the hour from 11AM – 10PM daily; gingerbread and other holiday displays are available from 11AM-10PM; live entertainment and Santa are available Fridays and Saturdays from 6PM – 9PM
Location: Fulton Street, New Orleans, LA

25. Christmas in Lafreniere Park ($5 per vehicle)

Christmas in the Park exhibits large LED light displays of some famous Christmas and story book characters. Attractions also highlight writing letters to Santa, decorating ornaments, along with drive through and walk through lights tours.
Dates: November 30-December 30
Times: Sunday thru Thursday Dusk-9:45PM; Friday & Saturday Dusk-11:45 PM
Location: Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70003

As we enter into this season of giving, not all of us are full of the Christmas spirit. I challenge each of you to use what I have as a start, do some soul searching, and find your own sources of Christmas cheer.

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*This is NOT a sponsored post. I received nothing in exchange for any of these recommendations nor do I have any affiliate links listed on here (outside of the Mommy and Me event I am hosting myself). I am truly sharing how I plan to create Christmas cheer for myself from the bottom of my heart!! XOXO

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Published by ordinarilyextraordinarymom

My name is Brittany Bonnaffons, and I feel like I should have life figured out by now. I also feel like the world judges us by unrealistic standards. I have dedicated this blog to challenging standards and instead embracing yourself for who you are - ordinarily extraordinary.
View all posts by ordinarilyextraordinarymom

Some fab ideas there to add to our Christmas traditions. I’m definitely going to take a scavenger hunt list when we drive round the lights now I’ve seen that, and now you mention decluttering you’ve totally jogged my memory of a children’s ward near me that were asking people to donate toys to them a couple of Christmases ago – I’m going to look into whether they’re still collecting this year! Thanks for the inspiration X x x

What a fantastic list! I have been feeling a bit Grinch-like so I plan to put a few of these ideas into action. “Since I cannot find happiness I will create happiness” is a quote I need to hang on my wall!

What awesome ideas! I’m going to be taking part in a photography project for Advent through an inspiration guide. I’m excited but hoping I keep to it! I think I will since I’m also off Facebook for advent!

Love this list. I’ve also been looking around Cincinnati to find some free or cheap holiday fun for our family. I also love how you are showing us through this example that when you feel empty, you can still give and create and make life beautiful. I’m praying for you this holiday season!

I love your list! I especially love ideas #1, #3, and #15. We have some certain Christmas traditions that always get us in the spirit of the season: decorating the tree with all our mismatched, handmade ornaments – then watching “White Christmas” while drinking hot chocolate; my daughters and all their cousins gathered at my parents’ house to bake cookies and decorate gingerbread houses; Christmas Eve service at our church; etc. Thank you for sharing this list to remind us of how we can create our own Christmas spirit and joy this festive season!